Machine for covering paper boxes.



No. 690,377. Patented Dec. 3|, 190i.

P. 8. SMITH.

MACHINE FOR COVERING PAPER-"BOXES.

V (Application filed Nov. 6, 1900.) (No Model.) v n Sheets-Shget l.

IT E llumg a 7 ll Fi i;

IHHIIIIIIIIUIIIIIIIII [/VVE/VTOR.

W! TNESSES: Asifzlih No." 690,377. Pafented Dec. 3|, 1901.

P. s. sm- H.

' MACHINE FOR COVERING PAPER BOXES.

(Application filed Nov. 6', 1900. (No Model.) ll Sheets-Sheet 3.

W/ T/VESSES Patented Dec. 3|, I901.

- P. 3. SMITH.

MACHINE FUR COVERING PAPERBOXES.

(Application filed Nov. 0, 1900A '(N Model.) H SheetsSheet 4.

. J2 I IV I l' Patented Dec, 3|, l90l. P. 8. SMITH. MACHINEFOB COVERING PAPER BOXES.

(Application filed Nov. 6, 1900.) (No Model.)

I ll Sheets-Sheet 5.

No. 690,377. Patented Dec. 3|, I90].

' P. 8. SMITH.

MACHINE FOR COVERING PAPER BOXES.

(Application filed Nov. 6, 1900.)

(No Model.) II Sheets-Sheet 6 Wzm/gsgsw E E I I BY No. 690,377. f Patented Dec. 3|, I90l.

(No Model.) Sheets8heet 7. v

fNVE/VTOR.

WITNESSES: A S

. BV%M% Z3 1 N0. 690,377. Patented Dec. 3|, 190i.

P. 8. SMITH. MACHINE FOR COVERING PAPER BOXES.

(Application filed Nov. 6, 1900.

' Shats-Sheet a.

(No Mel.)

nun-11mm III - No. 690,377. .Patented Dec. -3-|,"|90| P. s, SMITH.

MACHINE FOR COVERING PAPER BOXES.

Application filed Nov. 8, 1900.}

(No Model.) H SheetsShe6t 7-- I ZII 7" E j S 5 mai QM' I s PErtRS co. wofouma. wunmomn. a

No. 690,377. Patented Dec, 3|, I90]. P. 3. SMITH.

v MACHINE FOR COVERING PAPER BOXES.

ll Sheets-Sheet ID.

. JN VEIYTOR' f l V/ TNESSES: v w

No. 690,377. I Patented Dec. sag-19m.v

P. s. smnn.

MACHINE FOR COVERING PAPER BOXES.

(Application filed Nov. 6, 1900.)

Unrrsn STATES PHILIP S. SMITH, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR OF THREE-FOURTHS TO HARRY B. SMITH, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, J. STOGDELL STOKES, OF MOORESTOWVN, NEW JERSEY, AND XVINFIELD SOOTT SMITH, OF PAW= TUOKET, RHODE ISLAND.

MACHINE FOR COVERING PAPER BOXES.

SPECIFICATION formingpart of Letters Patent No. 690,377, dated December 31, 1901-.

Application filed November 6, 1900. Serial No. 35,613. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, PHILIP S. SMITH, a citi- Zen of the United States, residing at Brooklyn,New York, have invented certain new and usefullmp'rovements in Machines for Covering Paper Boxes, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements in boxcovering mal0 chines, and has for its object to simplify and improve the construction and operation generally of this type of machines and to increase the output and improve the character of work done to a marked degree as compared with machines heretofore contemplated for this purpose, but which latter have never, to my knowledge, been put into practical operation. The machine forming the subject-matter of the present invention does not concern itself with the cutting or setting up of the boxblank, but is designed to apply a coveringblank of paper or other material to the box after the same has been set up and the corners stayed or fixed into position by any of the well-known means or methods now generally employed for accomplishing this end.

Briefly and generally stated, theinvention comprises a suitable frame to support and carry the operative parts of the machine, a reciprocating plunger to support and carry the box to be covered, suitable covering devices between which the said plunger is arranged to travel, whereby the sides and ends of the covering-blank are affixed to the sides 5 and ends, respectively, of the box and the end flaps turned in, and a receiving-table for the box having a top plate normally located below the covering devices and in the path of movement of the plunger, which table may or may not be yielding, as desired.

The invention also comprises suitable means forstripping the box from the plunger as the latter reaches the table, so that the covered box will be delivered thereon.

It also comprises suitable means for simultaneously and quickly and accurately adj usting or setting the covering-rolls and turn-in devices to accommodate boxes of various sizes.

The invention also contemplates a simple and durable arrangement of means for imparting movement to the reciprocating plunger and turn-in devices. V

The invention further consists in providing suitable guards orprotectors for the covering devices or rolls to prevent the latter from becoming gummed during the movement of the plunger therebetween, thus preventing the covering material or blank from becoming soiled or gumrned.

The invention also contemplates the employment of suitable auxiliary holding means for the blank during its passage between the covering devices when a blank is employed that has only its edges or margins gummed.

The invention further comprises suitable auxiliary strippers arranged between the covering devices and receiving-table, and finally theinvention comprises otherfeatures of construction and arrangements of parts hereinafter more fully described and then definitely pointed out in the claims which follow this specification.

In the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference characters designate corresponding parts, Figure 1 is a front elevation of a machine embodying the invention. Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the link connecting the plunger with the operating-lever. Fig. 3 is an elevation of the machine, taken from the right-hand side. Fig. 4 is a plan View of the same. Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail sectional View of the plunger and the covering devices with some of their attachments. view of the lower part of the plunger. Fig. 7 is asectional view on theline 7 7 of Fig. 5. Fig. 8 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 8 8 of Fig. 5. Fig. 9 is a sectional view on the line 9 9 of Fig. 7. Fig. 10 is a detail perspective view showing the rod provided with a journal for carrying an end of one of the rolls and also the spring for pressing the rod outwardly. Fig. 11 is a similar view showing one of the brackets for carrying one of the upper rolls. Fig. 12 is a detail perspective view, partly in section, showing one of. the devices for turning in the ends of the side flaps of the covering-blank. Fig. 13 is adetail per- Fig. 6 is a detail perspective spective showing the bracket for supporting one of the lower rolls. Fig. 14 is a similar view showing the auxiliary covering-brush. Fig. 15 is an enlarged sectional view showing one of the covering-rolls with its guards cooperating with the form-block. Fig. 16 is a machine.

similar view. Fig. 17 is an enlarged detail view showing the levers and links for conveying motion from the operative cam to the turning-in device. Fig. 18 shows the opened face of the cam for operating the plunger. Fig. 19 is an enlarged detail sectional view showing one of the supports for the receivingtables. Fig. 20 is a plan view of the clutch mechanism for conveying motion from the pulley-shaft to the main driving-shaft of the Fig. 21 is a side view of the same. Fig. 22 is an end view of the same. Fig. 23 is a detail view showing the members of the clutch. Fig. 24 is a plan view of the covering-blank. Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the blank and the box-body. Figs. 26, 27, and 28 are perspective views of the box-body and covering-blank, showing the respective results of the successive operations of the machine; Figs. 29 and 30 are detail sectional views showing the auxiliary holding devices or brushes in operative position, the two views showing the plunger in different positions.

The framework supporting the several operative parts of the machine may be of any construction suitable in the premises. In the present instance it consists,primarily, of the table A, the legs A, carrying the same, the standard A mounted on said table at one side of the latter, and the base-plate A secured to the lower ends of the legs. In the central part of the table is an opening A in line with the path of travel of the boxes through the machine. Mounted on the table are the devices for covering the boxes with the blanks, and carried by the standard is the mechanism for conveying the boxes through the machine and between the covering devices. The covering devices operate successively to aifix the side flaps of the blank to the sides of the box, to turn in the ends of the side flaps against the ends of the box, to affix the end flaps to the ends of the box, and to press the blank firmly to the bottom of the box.

The devices for affixing the side flaps consist of the rolls 13 B, adjustably mounted on opposite sides of the table A and above the opening A therein. As both rolls and their adjusting mechanism are alike, a description of one will suffice for both. In the top of the raised portion B of the table and extending from the opening A is a guideway B in which is placed the movable bar B The latter has a longitudinal slot B provided with countersunk sides. A bolt B passes through said slot with its head registering with the countersunk sides of the same or from the opening A in the table, and by tightening the same it can be secured in any position to which it may be moved. On the inner end of the bar B is a yoke B with bifurcated ends 13 Passing through each bi furcated end is a rod 13*, adapted to move back and forth therein. (See Figs. 10 and 11.) The forward movement of the rod is limited by the pin 13 It is normally held in an advanced position by the spring 13, placed around the same between the members of the bifurcation of the end of the yoke. Through the rod a second pin 13 passes, and when the rod is moved backward this pin engages with the spring, and the latter thereby resists such movement. In the forward ends of the rods B are hearings in which are journaled the ends of the shaft of the roll B. By means of this mechanism the rolls can be adjusted relatively to the path of travel of the boxes through the machine to accommodate boxes of various Widths, and through the action of the springs B the rolls will exert a yielding pressure on the covering-blank and also adapt themselves to any slight irregularity in the sides of the boxes.

It often happens that the covering-blank after it has been gum med warps or curls up atits edges. \Vhen this happens, the gummed surface of the blank is apt to come in contact with the rolls and gum them, so that they in turn will gum and soil the faces of the succeeding boxes, and sometimes the blank adheres to a roll and is torn thereby. This is prevented by a guard B, (see Figs. 15 and 16,) carried by the yoke 13. On the ends of the latter are secured the springclips B for holding the guard in place. The guard is formed of a strip of cardboard or other suitable material, and it projects over the roll in such a way that it first engages the gummed flap of the blank and turns it upwardly, as the box descends, so that the roll can only contact with the outer side of the blank, which is not gummed. When the guard becomes soiled, it can be readily re- .placed by a fresh one.

It is to be noted that after the side flap of the blank is turned up it projects above the edge of the box, and the gummed inner surface of the projecting edge is apt to contact with the form-block, and thereby gum the latter. (See Fig. 15.) If the form-block should become so gummed, on its return the rolls would become gummed or soiled also. To avoid this, a second guard B is secured to the under side of the yoke and projects beneath the roll. This guard is made of rubber or of a suitable material which can be bent and when released will resume its original shape. It is of such a width that when the form-block returns without the box as to be engaged and bent around the roll between the latter and the form-block. In this way any portion of the form-block that may be gummed or soiled is prevented from contacting with the roll. For the sake of clearness the guards B and B are not shown as being applied to all the rolls in the main views of the machine; but it is to be understood that they can'be so used.

In certain classes of work it may be prefer- IIO able to use brushes instead of the rolls B B and also those in the mehchanism for affixing the end flaps, to be hereinafter described. Such a substitution can be readily accomplished, as the bearings for the shafts of the rolls are open. 7

Immediately below the rolls for aifixin g the side flaps of the blanks to the sides of the box and partly within the raised portion B ofthe table is located the mechanism for turning in the ends of the side flaps. As the parts of this mechanism on opposite sides of the path of travel through the machine are duplicates, a description of one will be sufficient. Projecting from the under side of the slidebar 13 are the lugs O, one back of the other. Through openings 0 in the lugs the parallel rods 0 pass and are adapted to be moved back and forth therein. The movement of these rods back and forth is limited by the collars O and the tie-rod O engaging with the lugs. The tie-rod is adjustable on the rods,

so that the forward movement can be regulated. Supported on the forward ends of the parallel rods 0 is the cross-piece O rectangular in cross-section. On each end of the cross-piece is a block C adjustable thereon and provided with a set-screw O for holding it in its adjustment. Olamped between the plate 0 and the face of the block is the wiper C formed of resilient metal. The forward end of the wiper is bent to form a convex rubbing-surface O for turning in the end of the side flaps without injuring the paper. (See Fig. 12.) By means of the clampingplate 0 and the screws O passing through the same into the block 0 the wiper can be adjusted relatively to the block to accommodate boxes of difierent forms-those with inclined sides, for example. By adjusting the blocks C on the cross-piece O the wiper can be regulated to accommodate boxes of different lengths. As the cross-piece is rectangular in cross-section, as well as the openings in the blocks, the latter are prevented from turning on the former.

It is to be observed that the mechanism on each side of the machine for turning in the ends of the side flaps is carried by the slidebarB on its respective side. The collars O are so located on the rods (3 that when the said rods are in a retracted position and the said collars are in contact with the forward lug O the forward edges of the wipers C will extend to the path of travel of the boxes through the machine, but no farther. The forward movement of the wipers is limited by the tie-rod O on the rods 0 engaging with the rear lug O, projecting from the under side of the slide-bar B In making a loosely-wrapped boxthat is, one in which the covering-blank is only gummed at its edges-after the side flaps are turned up by the rolls B they will not retain their positions after the box leaves the rolls, and consequently the blank is apt to become displaced, as none of the gummed surface of the blank is pressed into contact with the box byithe rolls. To retain the blank in place, holders are provided for pressing the side flaps of the blank against the box during the action of the wipers for turning in the ends of the flaps. (See Fig. 14.) To the under side of the yoke 13 are adjustably secured the angle-irons B and to the latter are attached the brushes B which form the holders. These brushes are directly beneath the rolls B and will engage with side flaps of the blank and hold them against the box until the wipers turn in their ends. As that portion turned in by the wipers is gummed, it will adhere to the box and the blank thereby will be held in place during the rest of the operation.

Mechanism is provided for reciprocating the Wipers so that they will be advanced after abox has passed the rolls B to turn in the ends of the side flaps. Pivoted to the hanger D, projecting from the under side of the table A, is the T-shaped lever D. One of the arms D of the latter has at its free end a friction roll D engaging with the groove D in the cam D mounted on the shaft S. Under opposite sides of the table A arejournaled the shafts D, and on the latter are secured the crank-arms D which engage with the tierods 0 Other crank-arms D are respectively secured on the shafts D and their free ends are respectively connected with the opposite ends of the cross-arm D of the T- shaped lever by the links D When the cam D is rotated, the groove D in the same by reason of its form engaging with thefrictionroll D oscillates the T-shaped lever, and through the intervening mechanism the wipers O are simultaneously thrust forward at regular intervals into the path of travel of the boxes through the machine. This movement of the wipers is so timed as to operate just after the box that is being covered leaves the rolls B to turn in the ends of the side flaps. By mechanism hereinafter to be described while the wipers are acting the travel of the box through the machine is stayed.

After the turn-in devices have been moved forward to affix the ends of the flaps to the ends of the box, as seen in Fig. 27, said de vices are by reason of the formation of the groove D in the cam D held stationary, or, in other words, are caused to remain in contact with the ends of the box until the form-block flaps of the blank to the ends of the box. Im-

&

mediately below the mechanism for turning in the ends of the side flaps are two rolls E E on opposite sides of the path of travel of the box through the machine. As the rolls and their supports are alike a description of one will do for both. On the top of the table is a slide-bar E, mounted in the guideway E leadingto the central opening of the table,and it is provided with an elongated slot E having countersunk side E. Passing through this elongated slot and a suitable opening in the table is the bolt E with its head regis= teringwiththecountersunksides. Athumbnut E is turned onto the lower end of the bolt and by means of the same the slidebar can be secured in its adjustment. The slide-bar carries at its forward end a crossbar E the ends of which are bifurcated. Through openings E in each bifurcated end a rod E passes and has in its forward end a bearing E (See Fig. 13.) The rod is movable longitudinally and is normally pressed forward by the action of the spring E coiled around the same between the members of the bifurcation of the same. A pin E passes through the rear end of the rod and limits its forward movement. A second pin E passes through the forward end of the rod inside of the bifurcation and bears on one end of the spring, so that when the rod is moved to the rear the said pin will engage with the spring and the latter thereby will oppose such movement of the rod. In the bearings E in the forward ends of the rods E are journaled the ends of the shaft of the roll E.

The positions of the rolls E E are such that they are at right angles to the rolls B B and are adjustable relatively to the path of travel through the machine, so that when a box leaves the devices for turning in the endsof the side flaps it will be engaged by the said rolls to turn up the end flaps of the covering-blank. The adjustable slide-bars E permit the rolls to be adjusted to boxes of difierent lengths, and the spring-pressed rods E permit them to adjust themselves to any slight variation in size and to any unevenness there may be in the box-ends.

Mechanism is provided for carrying the box that is to be covered through the machine to present it successively to the several mechanisms for aflixing the covering-blank. This consists, essentially, of a plunger provided with means for reciprocating it in the path of travel of the boxes through the machine, a form-block attached to the lower end of the plunger on which the box which'has been previously set up and stayed is placed, clips for holding the box on the form-block, and means for stripping the box from the formblock after the completion of the operation.

The standard A has a head consisting of two members A and A", respectively. Attached to the outer end of the member A is a vertical guideway F, in which the plunger F is adapted to move. The latter is reciprocated by the lever F to which it is connected by the adjustable link F (See Fig. 2.) The link is slotted lengthwise, and movable therein is the block F havinga projecting Wrist-pin engaging with the free end of the lever. J ournaled in the upper end of the link is the rod F provided with a hand-wheel F for turning the same; The lower end of this rod is screwthreaded and engages with the block F By means of this connection between the lever and the plunger the latter can be adjusted to adapt the machine to boxes of different heights. A nut F is provided for clamping the block in place after the adjustment has been made. The lever is oscillated by the cam F mounted on the upper end of the shaft S. The cam consists of a metal cylinder on the periphery of which is aguideway or groove F \Vith the latter engages the friction-roll F journaled on one side of the lever between the latters fulcrum-point and the end to which the plunger is attached. The formation of the groove F is such that when the cam is rotated the lever will be oscillated, and there by a reciprocating movement imparted to the plunger F. A counterpoise F is mounted on the end of the lever opposite to that connected with the plunger to counterbalance the weight of the latter.

A form-block G is attached to the lower end of the plunger. ,It is shaped to fit the inside of a box and forms a backing against which the sides are pressed during the operation of the covering-affixing devices. It is secured to the holder G, and the stem of the latter is inserted in the lower end of the plunger. The form-block is readily removable from the holder, and a number of the same of different dimensions are kept on hand to accommodate boxes of different dimensions. In the sides of the form-block are the recesses G adapted to receive the auxiliary strippingrods hereinafter to be described. (See Figs. 1, 5, and 6.)

Clips H are provided for holding the boxes on the form-block during the first part of the downward stroke of the plunger. They are adjustably mounted on the rods H, projecting from the opposite ends of the yoke H which latter rests by gravity on the formblock. The yoke is secured to the lower extremities of the vertical rods H which rods move freely through the perforated lugs H, projecting from opposite sides of the guideway F. The downward movement of the rods is limited by the collars H adj ustably mounted thereon. When the plunger is in an elevated position, the yoke H rests on the holder G by gravity. The box that is to be covered is placed on the form-block, and its ends are forced between the ends of the form-block and the clips H,and is thereby prevented from falling off until it is engaged by the covering devices. As the plunger descends the clips and their supports are carried with it until the collars H contact with the upper lugsH. By this time thebox has become engaged by the rolls B for affixing the side flaps, and by their pressure the box is held in place on the form-block, and consequently the clips are not further needed for that purpose. As the plunger continues by reason of the collars H contacting with the lugs II the clips are withdrawn from the box. On the return stroke of the plunger the block G engages with the yoke H and the clips are carried up with it in a position to receive another box. The adjustable collars 1-1 permit the movement of the clips to be regulated as the plunger is adjusted to accommodate boxes of different heights.

Stripping mechanism for removing the boxes from the form-blocks after they have been covered by the blank is provided. Rods J are located in the vertical grooves J in the opposite sides of the plunger F and are longitudinally movable therein. They pass through hearings in the lower end of the 'plunger and the plate J secured to the top of the guideway F. To retard the movement of the rods relatively to the plunger, frictionpins J mounted in the plate J bear upon the rods. The friction-pins are forced against the rods by the springs J and the pressure of the latter is regulated by the screws J turned into the plate J and bearing on said springs. The downward movement of the rods relatively to the plunger is limited by the tie-plate J", adjustably secured to their upper ends, coming in contact with the upper end of the plunger. Their upward movement is limited by the tie-plate J adjustably secured to their lower ends, coming in contact with the lower end of the plunger. The lower ends of the rods pass freely through the holder G and the form-block G, which are perforated for the purpose. The movement of the rods relatively to the plunger is so limited by the tie-plate J that when the rods are at their highest limit in the plunger the lower extremities of the rods will be flush with the bottom of the block. By adjusting the tieplate J the rods can be regulated to operate with blocks of different thicknesses. As the plunger moves downwardly its lower end will engage with the plate J and thereby carry the rods J with it. Afterit has completed its downward stroke the plunger starts on its return stroke. The rods, whose lower ends rest on the bottom of the box, will be held by the friction-pins J As the upward movement of the plunger is continued the rods, remaining stationary, will strip the box from the form-block, as they will not start to ascend until the upper end of the plunger engages with the tie-plate J attached to the upper ends of the rods. By adjusting the tie-plate on. the rods the engagement of the plunger with the stripping-rods to raise them against the action of the friction-pins can be regulated, so that boxes of different heights can be accommodated. Vhen the plunger reaches the highestlimit of its return stroke, the lower ends of the stripping-rods will project below theform-block. Unlesstheseprojectingends box and spoil it.

are withdrawn the next box cannot be placed on the form-block. This is done by the plungercommencing its downward stroke and continuing the same until the rods are sheathed. When the rods are completely sheathed, the downward movement of the plunger is stopped automatically by a mechanism hereinafter to be described.

When the machine is operating tocover comparatively large boxes made of flimsy or thin material, the stripping-rods pressing upon the bottom of the box bulge out the same, and this has a tendency to cause the sides of the box to bind upon the form-block. Sometimes this binding is so tight that the rods punch holes through the bottom-of the To avoid this, means are provided to aid the stripping-rods in removing the box from the form-block. (See Figs. 1, 5, 7, and 13.) To the under sides of the slide-bars E", carrying the lower rolls for affixing the end flaps of the blank, are adjustably attached the auxiliary strippers K K. Each of the latter is formed of a piece of spring metal bent .to form an obtuseangle and is provided with a slot K, through which a screw K passes into the slide-bar. By means of the slot and screw the stripper can be adjusted on the slide-bar. \Vhen properly adjusted, the free end of the stripper projects slightly into the path of travel of the box through the machine, so, that it will register with the recess G in the form-block. As the plunger descends the box on the form-block will contact lightly with the auxiliary strippers, but not with pressure enough to injure.

the covering, as the strippers are elastic and are easily bent aside. After the box passes the strippers resume their normal positions and theirlower ends will be in positions to register with the recesses G in the opposite side of the form-block on the upward movement of the plunger and engage with the upper edges of the box, and thereby aid in the removal of the latter. As the auxiliary strippers are attached to the slide-bars E they will be adjusted at the same time that the lower affixing-rolls are adjusted.

Beneath the main table A and at the lower limit of the path of travel of the box through the machine is located the receiving-table, having a flat top plate L. (See Figs. 1, 3, and 19.) Secured to the base-plate A is the standard L, having at its upper end the four arms L In the outer end of each arm is a socket L through which. the bolt L passes. The upper end of the bolt is secured to a corner of the top plate L, and the lower end passes through the base of the socket and pro jectsbeneath the same, where it is provided with locking-nuts L In the socket surrounding the bolt and interposed between the top plate and the base of the socket.- is the spiral spring L. The latter normally tends to hold that part of the table above it in an elevated position, and its tension can be regulated by the locking-nuts L on the bolt. The

object of the top plate L is to receive the boxes after they have been stripped from the form-block and also to aid in aiiixing the blank to the bottom of the box. As the plunger F reaches the lower limit of its stroke the bottom of the box and the blank are compressed between the form-block and the top plate of the table and are thereby firmly united. Owing to the springs the table is yieldable and will therefore adapt itself to any unevenness in the bottom of the box and blank.

The formation of the groove F in the cam F is such as to operate the plunger through the intervening mechanism, so that the formblock carried by the same will properly present the box and blank to the covering device.

(See Figs. 1, 3, and 18.) At the beginning of a downward stroke of the plunger the frictionroll is in engagement with the horizontal part F of the cam-groove. The box, with the blank attached to its bottom, is placed on the form-block and the machine is started. As the cam rotates the friction-roll passes through the horizontal part F of the groove and enters the inclined part F. As the cam coutinues to rotate the frictionroll will travel the inclined part F and the lever F will be depressed, and consequently the plunger with it. \Vhile the friction-roll F is traveling through the inclined part F the plunger is forcing the form-block G between the upper rolls B, and the latter affix the side fiaps of the blank to the sides of the box. Then as the cam continues to turn the friction-roll enters the horizontal part F of the groove, and while it is traveling through the same the plunger remains stationary. During this interval the wipers C advance and turn in the ends of the side flaps. The cam D on the lower part of the shaft S is so adjusted that while the friction-roll F is traveling through the horizontal part F of the groove in the upper cam the friction-roll D will be engaged by the depressed part D of the groove D in the said lower cam. As the lower cam is rotated and the friction-roll D is in engagement with the depressed part D of the groove in the lower cam through the intervening mechanism the wipers will be advanced and retracted. On the further rotation of the cam F the friction-roll is engaged by the inclined portion F of the groove, the lever F is further depressed, the box is forced between the lower rolls E, the end flaps of "the blank are affixed to the ends of the box,

and finally the box is pressed against the yieldable receiving-table and the blank is firmly affixed to the bottom of the box. As the rotation of the cam continues, the upwardly-inclined portion F of the groove engages with the friction-roll and the lever is raised, carrying with it the plunger, and completes the return stroke. During the upward movement of the plunger the box is stripped from the form-block and deposited uponthe After traveling through the receiving-table.

inclined portion F the friction-roll enters the downwardly-inclined portion 15 of the groove and passes into the horizontal portion At this point the machine is automatically stopped. iVhile the friction-roll is in engagement with the short inclined portion F the plunger is moved downward a short distance to sheath the lower ends of the stripping-rods. I

The machine is driven by the shaft M, journaled in the bracket'M, secured to the'baseplate A (See Figs. 1, 2, 20, 21, 22, and 23.) On one end of the shaft is journaled the sleeve M adapted to carry a pulley. A clutch mechanism is provided for transmitting motion from the sleeve to the shaft. The sleeve has a head from which the pins M project into the annular groove M in the face of the disk M splined on the shaft. The locking member M movable longitudinally on the shaft, has spurs which register with the holes M in the disk M A fork M engages with the locking member, and by moving the same the spurs can be projected into the annular groove M in the disk or withdrawn from the same. When the spurs are projected into the annular groove, they will be engaged by the pins M and the disk M thereby rotated. As the disk is splined on the shaft, motion will be imparted to the latter. 0n the shaft between the bearings of the bracket the sleeve M is secured, so as to be rotated with the shaft. This sleeve carries the worm M which engages with the gear M on the lower end of the shaft S. By means of this mechanism motion may be transmitted from the sleeve M to the shaft S. Also by means of the clutch mechanism the machine can be started or stopped, as it may be desired.

The clutch mechanism is operated either by hand, the foot, or automatically. To the bracket M is pivoted the bell-crank M The latter is connected at one end by the rod M ,movable longitudinally in hearings in the bracket, with the fork M engaging with the locking member. The rod is normally pressed forward by the spring M1 to project the spurs of the locking member into the annular groove in the disk to engage with the pins M The free end of the bell-crank carries a IIC sleeve M in which the bar M is movable longitudinally. One end of the bar projects over the gear M in a position to be engaged by the cam-block M mounted on the said gear. Asthe latter rotates the cam-block engages with the end of the bar and moves the bell-crank against the action of the spring M to draw, through the intervening mechanism, the locking member of the clutch mechanismjfrom the other member, and thereby the operation of the machine is stopped.

On the base-plate A of the machine, in a position accessible to the operator, is pivoted the treadle M The latter carries an arm M, the upper end of which engages with the bar M When the 'treadle is depressed, the bar is disengaged from the cam-block M brought together again to start the machine.

The process which the box and cover undergo consists in affixing the blank X, which has been previously gummed, to the under side of the box Y, so that the corners of the latter will register with the meeting points of the side and end flaps of the blank, as at X. (See Figs. 24 to 28, inclusive.) The box is then placed on the form-block and the machine is put in motion. As the box is carried between the upper set of affixing-rolls the side flaps X will be pressed against the sides of the box and afi'ixed thereto. Then the wipers operate to turn in the ends X of the side flaps against the ends of the box, and finally the end flaps are turned up against the ends of the box and are aflixed thereto. After the box has been stripped from the form-block the edges of the flaps are turned over the edge of the box by hand and the covering thereby completed.

While the hereinbefore-described embodiment of the invention is the preferred one, yet it can be departed from to a considerable extent without departing from its spirit.

Having thus described myinvention, what I claim as new is 1. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a reciprocating plunger adapted to support and carry the box to be covered,

of covering devices between which the plunger is caused to move whereby the covering material is affixed to the sides and ends of the box, and a receiving-table having a top plate located below the covering devices and across the path of movement of the plunger, said plate being arranged to cooperate with the plunger after the latter has left the covering devices whereby the covering material is pressed firmly to the bottom of the box.

2. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a reciprocatingplunger adapted to support and carry the box to be covered, of covering devices between which the plunger is caused to move whereby the covering material is affixedto the sides and ends of the box, and a receiving-table having a yielding top plate located below the covering devices and across the path of movement of the plunger, said yielding top plate being arranged to cooperate with the plunger after the latter has passed between the covering devices whereby the covering material is pressed firmly to the bottom of the box.

3. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a reciprocating plunger adapted to support and carry the box to be covered,

of covering devices between which the plunger is caused to move whereby the covering material is affixed to the sides and ends of the box, a receiving-table having a top plate located below the covering devices and across the path of movement of the'plunger, said top plate being arranged to cooperate with the plunger after the latter has passed between the covering devices whereby the covering material is pressed firmly to the bottom of the box, and means for stripping the box from the plunger when the latter reaches the said table to deliver the same thereon.

4. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a reciprocating plunger adapted to support and carry the box to be covered, of covering devicesbetween which the plunger is caused to move whereby the covering material is affixed to the sides and ends of the box, a receiving-table having a top plate located below the covering devices and across the path of movement of the plunger, said plate being arranged to cooperate with the plunger after the latter has passed between the covering devices whereby the covering material is pressed firmly to the bottom of the box, and means for positively holding the box upon the said top plate of the table during the inital upward movement of the plunger whereby the box is stripped therefrom.

5. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a vertically-reciprocating plunger adapted to carry the box to be covered, of devices for applying the covering material to the box, including devices for turning in ends of flaps, means for reciprocating said plunger, means for operating said turning-in devices,and a vertical shaft arranged parallel with the plunger and carrying separate power devices for operating said plunger-reciproeating means and the means for operating the turning-in devices. p

6. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a reciprocating plunger adapted to carry the box to be covered, of devices for applying the covering material to the box including devices for turning in end flaps, a cam for reciprocating the plunger, a separate cam for operating the turning-in devices in timed relation to the movement of the plunger, a vertical shaft arranged parallel to the plunger and upon which both of said cams are mounted, and means for rotating said shaft.-

7. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a reciprocating plunger adapted to support and carry the box to be covered, of devices for applying the covering material to the box including devices for turning in 'end flaps, a receiving-table having a top plate located below the covering devices and across the path of movement of the plunger, means for reciprocating the plunger, means for operating the turning-in devices in timed relation to the movements of the plunger,and a single shaft for imparting motion to the plunger-reciprocating means and the meansfor' operating the turning-in devices.

8. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a reciprocating plunger adapted to support and carry the box to be covered, of devices forapplying the covering material to the box including devices for turning in end flaps, a receiving-table having a top plate located below the covering devices and across the path of movement of the plunger, a cam for reciprocating the plunger, a separate cam for operating the turning-in devices in timed relation to the movement of the plunger, a single shaft upon which both of said cams are mounted, and means for rotating said shaft.

9. In a machine for covering boxes, the combination with a base having a standard rising therefrom, said standard being provided at its upper end with oppositely-extending arms, of an oscillating lever pivoted to one of said arms, a reciprocating plunger mounted to move in guides in the other of said arms, said lever having a connection with the plunger, a vertical shaft arranged parallel with the standard, a cam mounted on the upper end of said shaft and cooperat ing with the oscillating lever to actuate the same, means for rotating said shaft, and covering devices between which the plunger is caused to move back and forth.

10. In a machine for covering boxes, the

- combination with a base having a standard rising from one side thereof, said standard being provided at its upper end with two oppositely-extending arms one of which constitutes a guideway, of an oscillatory lever pivoted to one of said arms, a reciprocating plunger mounted to move in the guideway in the other arm, alink connection between said lever and plunger, a vertical shaft arranged parallel with the said standard, acam on the upper end of said shaft, an antifriction-roller mounted intermediate the ends of said oscillatory lever and cooperating with said cam, means for rotating the shaft, and covering devices between which the plungeris caused to move.

11. In a machine for covering boxes, the combination with an elevated table having an opening therethrough and a vertical standard rising from one side of the table, said standard terminating at its upper end in two oppositely-extending arms, one of which is provided with a guideway that is disposed directly above and in line with the opening in the table, a reciprocating plunger freely movable in said guideway and through the opening in the table, a form-block carried by the plunger, an oscillatory lever pivoted to the other arm of the cross-head, a vertical shaft arranged parallel with the standard, a cam on the upper end of said shaft, arranged adjacent to and having a connection with the oscillatory lever to actuate the latter, means for rotating said shaft, and covering devices carried by the table and arranged on opposite sides of the opening therein, substantially as described.

12. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a supporting-frame havinga bedplate provided with a central opening and elevated portions arranged in line with each other upon opposite sides of said opening, of slid e-bars supported by said elevated portions of the bed-plate, slide-bars supported upon said top plate upon opposite sides of the opening at right angles to the first-named slidebars, and covering devices carried by said slide-bars, substantially as described.

13. In a box-covering machine, a supporting-frame having a hed-plate provided with a central opening and elevated portions arranged in line with each other upon opposite sides of said opening, guideways formed in said elevated portions of the bed-plate, slidebars adjustably mounted in said guideways, similar guideways formed on the bed-plate upon opposite sides of the central opening and at right angles to the first-named guideways, slide-bars adjust-ably mounted in said guide'ways on the bed-plate, and covering devices carried by the inner ends of the said slide-bars, substantially as described.

14:. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a reciprocating plunger adapted to support and carry the box to be covered,

- of covering devices between which the plunger is caused to move, suitable clips for temporarily holding a box on the plunger until it reaches the covering devices, and means for holding the clips against movement to allow the plunger to move away from the clips to release the box.

15. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a reciprocating plunger adapted to support and carry the box to be covered, of covering devices between which the plunger is caused to move, suitable clips for temporarily holding the box'on the plunger, and means for holding the clips against movement when said plunger passesbetween the covering devices.

16. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a reciprocating plunger adapted to carry and support the box to be covered, of covering devices between which the plunger is caused to move, suitable clips for temporarily holding the box on the plunger, a box-receiving table having a top plate located below the covering devices, and means for separating the plunger and clips when said plunger moves toward the table and before it passes between the covering devices so that the box will be free to be delivered thereon.

17. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a reciprocating plunger adapted to support and carry the box to be covered, of covering devices between which the plunger is caused to move, suitable clips for temporarily holding the box on the plunger, a box-receiving table having a yielding top plate located below the covering devices, means for separating the plunger from the clips on its downward movement, and means for stripping the box from the plunger when the latter moves upward from the table.

18. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a reciprocating plunger adapted to support and carry the box to be covered, of

. a pair of side rolls, and a pair of end rolls, for

' a pair of yielding side rolls and a pair of yielding end rolls, for applying the covering material to the sides and ends of the box, means for reciprocating the plunger between the side and end rolls, and a receiving-table having a yieldable top plate located below said rolls and in the path of movement of the plunger.

20. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a reciprocating plunger adapted to support and carry the box to be covered, of a pair of side rolls and a pair of end rolls, for applying the covering material to the sides and ends of the box, devices for turning in end fiaps located between the two pairs of rolls, means for reciprocating the plunger, means for operating the turning-in devices, and a receiving-table for the box having a top plate located below the said rolls and in the path of movement of the plunger.

21. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a reciprocating plunger adapted to support and carry the box to be covered, of a pair of side rolls and a pair of end rolls for applying the covering material to the sides and ends of the box, devices for turning in end flaps, an oscillatory lever having a connection at one end with the plunger for reciprocating thelatter, means for operating the turn-in devices, and a vertical shaft carrying two cams for imparting movement respectively to the oscillatory lever and the means for operating the turn-in devices.

22. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a reciprocating plunger adapted to support and carry the box to be covered, of a pair of side rolls, and a pair of end rolls, for applying the covering material to the sides and ends of the box, devices for turning in end flaps, an oscillating lever for reciprocating the plunger, means for operating the turning-in devices, and a vertical shaft carrying two cams, one of which actuates the 0scillating lever and the other for operating the turn-in devices.

23. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a reciprocating plunger adapted to support and carry the box to be covered, of covering devices coacting with said plunger to affix thepovering material to the sides and ends of the box, an oscillating lever for operating said plunger, a main driving-shaft having an operative connection with said lever, a worm-wheel on said shaft, a continuously-driven shaft, aworm thereon meshing with said worm-wheel, a clutch on said continuously-driven shaft, and a cam operable from the main driving-shaft and cooperating with the said clutch to cause the movement of the plunger to cease after each complete rotation of said shaft.

24. In a box-covering machine, the combi nation with a verlically-reciprocating plunger adapted to support and carry the box to be covered, of suitable covering devices between which the plunger is caused to move, and a pair of stripper-rods for stripping the box from the plungerwhen the latter reaches the limit of its downward movement.

25. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a reciprocating plunger adapted to support and carry the box to be covered, of a pair of side rolls and a pair of end rolls for affixin g the covering material to the sides and ends of the box, means for moving the plunger between the said rolls, and guards or protectors covering the rolls, substantially as described.

26. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a reciprocating plunger adapted to support and carry the box to be covered, of a pair of side rolls and a pair of end rolls for affixing the covering material to the sides and ends of the box, means for moving the plunger between the said rolls, and removable strips covering the first pair of rolls.

27. Ina box-covering machine, the combination with a reciprocating plunger adapted to support and carry the box to be covered, of covering devices between which the plunger is caused to move whereby the covering material is affixed to the sides and ends of the box, and guards or protectors arranged over the covering devices, substantially as described.

28. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a support for the box to be covered, covering devices coacting with said support for affixing the covering material to the sides and ends of the box, means for imparting a relative movement between said support and covering devices, and guardsor protectors arranged over said covering devices.

29. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a support for the box to be covered, covering devices coacting with said support for affixing the covering material to the sides and ends of the box, means for imparting a relative movement between said support and covering devices, means for turning in end flaps, and means for holding the covering material against the sides of the box until the turning-in means have acted.

30. In a box-covering machine, the combination with a support for the box to be covered, of covering devices coacting with said support for. affixing the covering material to the sides and ends of the box, means for turning in end flaps, and yieldable means for hold- IIS 

